Category Archives: Safety

SDCC General Meeting Monday Dec 17th at 7:30pm – Special Presentation “Bayside Rec Center”

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Please note the meeting is this Monday.  I apologize for the short notice, the advanced date for the meeting due to holidays snuck up on me.  Click here for a printable version of the agenda 12.17.18 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday December 17, 2018 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Special Presentation – Bayside Recreation Center
Mr. C.J. Gajan, City of Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Department, will inform us of all the amazing activities and opportunities the Bayside Rec Center has to offer. Did you know if you are a group retiree or part of Medicare you may be eligible for a “No Cost” membership? Come learn about the many programs and ask C.J. any questions you may have about this amazing City amenity.

Officer’s Reports: Secretary – Kathleen Damon; Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic; Vice President – Wally Damon;
President – Todd Solomon

Old Business-
Lesner Bridge Replacement – The official ribbon cutting dedication ceremony for the completion of the bridge was held on Wednesday Dec. 12th. Check out the amazing photos taken by Tim Solanic on our website http://www.sdcc.info

Sea Level Rise & ASERT Meetings – Dewberry, continues to assist Public Works in the long term potential solutions/planning for the four major watersheds in the City: 1) Atlantic Ocean and Vicinity 2) Lynnhaven Inlet 3) Elizabeth River 4) Southern Watersheds. Analysis uses a combination of the EPA software and MIKE21, another dynamic modeling tool primarily used for the Southern Watersheds that includes analysis for wind based tides. The ASERT program – Action-oriented Stakeholder Engagement for a Resilient Tomorrow, had many Open-House offerings this past winter. There are many different strategies, some of which could include larger scale Dredging, Seawalls and Tide Gate structures. City Council will be reviewing these strategies in the January/February 2019 timeframe and then will re-engage the ASERT meetings with the public following that review.

Short Term Rentals (STRs) – The Planning Commission on Wed. Dec. 12th approved a list of regulations and code changes regarding STRs. These changes will be sent to City Council for review and approval. The City Council hearing date has not been set. Some of the highlights (Conditional Use Permits for new STRs; Two contracts per seven day period; Minimum one on-site parking spot per bedroom with overflow parking off street only)

New Business –
Pleasure House Point (PHP) Wetlands Mitigation Bank – Updates regarding the upcoming project that will convert parts of PHP into wetlands. Learn about plans for the parking lot, walkways, live oak tree removals.

Shore Drive Community Coalition Future – In preparation for the start of a new year, we will discuss ideas for the future of SDCC. Will new leaders step forward to help continue? Is cutting back to quarterly meetings a possibility? Would a website presence with emergency meetings model work? Let’s bounce some ideas around.

Community Concerns– Please share any issues or concerns your groups/organizations may have at this time.

***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday January 28, 2019***

 

#LESNERBRIDGE Ribbon Cutting yesterday at beloved Lynnhaven Boat Ramp & Beach Facility

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3 Mayors, 2 City Managers, 2 Delegates, 2 VB City Councilman and a lot of senior VB Staff who helped make it happen attended plus neighbors who love the new Lesner.

There was even a surprise light show by Randy Burkett Lighting Design who also attended.

Yay!

“Gov. Ralph Northam made the announcement Wednesday in the sustainable Brock Environmental Center”

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View article at Pilotonline.com:

He proposed dedicating $90 million each year starting in fiscal 2020 to a cost-sharing program to help farmers make their properties more environmentally friendly and a one-time $50 million deposit into the Stormwater Local Assistance Fund. The plans require General Assembly approval.

[Emphasis ours.]

More about Stormwater Local Assistance Fund here.

#LESNERBRIDGE update about paving from Project Manager

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ConCamScrnShotNov27

Screen shot of construction cam on Nov 27 ’18 at noon.

Update from email:

Folks,

We are at a point where the last of the surface pavement is ready to be placed on the project. Beginning at on Tuesday, 11/27/2018 paving work will take place on WB Shore Drive between Page Avenue and East Stratford Road and is expected to be completed by 11/29/18. Since nighttime temperatures are expected to be below 40°F, this work will take place during the day between the hours of 9:00AM and 3:00PM. The paving schedule is as follows:

11/27/2018, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
WB Shore Drive between the Bridge and East Stratford Road (in front of 3556 On The Bay Condominiums)
Pave the LEFT TURN lane and the INSIDE thru lane on Shore Drive

11/28/2018, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
WB Shore Drive between the Bridge and East Stratford Road (in front of 3556 On The Bay Condominiums)
Complete paving of the INSIDE thru land on Shore Drive then pave the OUTSIDE thru lane on Shore Drive and East Stratford Road (between Chesapeake House and 3556 On The Bay Condominiums)
WB Shore Drive between Page Avenue and the Bridge (in front of Overture Apartments)
Pave the INSIDE thru lane

11/29/2018, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
WB Shore Drive between the Bridge and East Stratford Road (in front of 3556 On The Bay Condominiums)
Place permanent pavement markings
WB Shore Drive between Page Avenue and the Bridge (in front of Overture Apartments)
Pave the OUTSIDE thru lane

11/30/2018, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
WB Shore Drive between Page Avenue and the Bridge (in front of Overture Apartments)
Place permanent pavement markings

This schedule may change due to weather.

Please drive carefully when travelling this portion of Shore Drive!

-Chris

Christopher J. Wojtowicz, PE
Engineering Construction Manager
City of Virginia Beach
Department of Public Works
Engineering Division
2405 Courthouse Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23456-9031
Office: (757) 385-5785
Fax: (757) 385-5668
Email: cwojtowi@vbgov.com

Trees are the answer for Overture at the Lesner Bridge

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You may remember the proposed Ocean Shore Shoppes LLC which was to be located next to Overture at Ocean Shore Ave & Cherry Tree Place near intersection on east side of Lesner Bridge.

The property will NOT be developed.  Thanks to all who helped make this happen.

Ocean Shore Shoppes LLC has sold the lot to Greystar, owners of Overture, for permanent preservation including 2 gorgeous live oak.

Photo from application to BZA

Monday Nov. 26th SDCC General Meeting – Special Presentation “Bayfront Beach Sand Replenishment”

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING – May you enjoy your time with friends and family.

Click here for a printable version of the agenda – 11.26.18 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday November 26, 2018 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Special Presentation-

Bayfront Beaches Sand Replenishment Update
Mr. Phillip Roehrs, City of Virginia Beach Public Works – Water Resource Engineer, will provide an update on current plans for sand replenishment project for Bayfront beaches. The last replenishment happened 5 years ago and our beaches are in dire need of help. When will dredging and replenishment begin? Where will the sand be placed? How long will the projects take? Will sand from the spoil sites be required as in past projects? These questions and others you may have will be discussed.

Officer’s Reports: Secretary – Kathleen Damon; Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic; Vice President – Wally Damon; President – Todd Solomon

Old Business-
Ocean Shore Shoppes Mixed Use Development Update – According to the current property owner, the proposed mixed use development will not be built. The property will be sold to Greystar/Overture Apartments.

Shore Drive Phase III Update – Shore Drive Phase III (CIP 2-117) is set to go out for bid in Feburary 2019 with construction to start sometime in the summer of 2019. This $26 million project will provide sidewalks, crosswalks, LED street lighting, bike lanes, improved traffic signals and landscaping. 4 lanes of traffic will be maintained during construction to minimize traffic delays. In addition to the road safety improvements, storm water upgrades will be made to some streets to help improve heavy rain collection and removal capabilities.

Lesner Bridge Replacement – The end is in sight. Paving of westbound lanes and bridge landings should be taking place soon now that the sidewalk has been completed. Updates are being posted at http://www.sdcc.info as they are received.

New Business –
Lynnhaven Municipal Wharf – Latest rumor is the site will be used as a staging site by Dominion Power for construction of offshore wind turbines. Does anyone have additional information regarding this subject?

Virginia Beach Police Department New Initiatives – Next Generation 9-1-1(texting based 9-1-1) and ePRO (electronic Police Reports Online), an interactive web application that allows public access to reported crime, traffic accident reports, and active warrants are new systems currently being used by the City. Check them out at the City’s website –

• NG 9-1-1 Link
• ePRO Link

Community Concerns– Please share any issues or concerns your groups/organizations may have at this time.

PLEASE NOTE REVISED MEETING DATE
Due to Christmas and New Year Eve

***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday December 17, 2018***

“Text-to-911 is part of the Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) project. It is the ability to send a text message to reach 911 emergency call takers (911 telecommunicators) from your mobile phone or device.”

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Text to 911 at VBGov.com:

Here are a few tips and suggestions that will help citizens use the tool more efficiently and effectively if needed:

Texting should only be used for emergency situations that require an immediate response from police, fire or emergency medical services. Non-emergency issues should still be communicated by calling the non-emergency number, 385-5000.

​​​Calling 9-1-1 is quicker, more efficient and preferred, so texting to 9-1-1 should be reserved for those who are deaf, hard of hearing, unable to speak and those who are in a situation where speaking is unsafe.

Provide the location and nature of the emergency in the first text. This will enable help to be dispatched as quickly as possible . . .

Virginia Beach is among only 10% of municipalities in the nation where this is possible. It’s always better to call if you can, but you do have the option to text if you can’t.

Brief update on #LESNERBRIDGE from Project Manager about paving

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From an email:

Regarding Lesner Bridge:

Placement of the remaining sidewalks on the north side of Shore Drive between Page Avenue and East Stratford Road is taking place this week and will be completed by next Friday (11/16/2018).

On Sunday night (11/11/2018) between the hours of 9:00PM and 5:00AM, Public Utilities will be working in the inside lane of Shore Drive installing a valve into the new 16-inch water main located approximately 350 feet west of the Page Avenue/Shore Drive intersection. After this valve is installed, McLean is on schedule to pave westbound Shore Drive between the Page Avenue/Shore Drive intersection and the WB Bridge and between the WB bridge and the Shore Drive/East Stratford Road intersection. McLean anticipates the paving of Shore Drive to take place over two evenings, 11/15 and 11/16/2018. All required jackhammering will be performed during the day prior to the nighttime work.

Once this work is completed, only the landscaping and boardwalk remains to be completed for the Lesner Bridge Replacement Project.

Thank You,
-Chris

Almost done!

Screen shot of construction cam shot on Nov 9 9am

SDCC General Meeting – Mon Oct 29th at 7:30pm – Special Presentation “Heads Up Emergency Disaster Preparedness Program”

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Click here for a printable version of the agenda 10.29.18 SDCC Agenda

SDCC General Meeting Agenda
Monday October 29, 2018 from 7:30 to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall
(parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)

Special Presentation –

Heads Up Emergency Disaster Preparedness Program
Ms. Tanya Barnes, Vice President Chesapeake Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad, will discuss their program that helps identify residents that need special assistance and support during emergencies and disasters. She will also discuss ways that the community can better serve these individuals.

Officer’s Reports:
Secretary – Kathleen Damon
Treasurer’s Report –Tim Solanic
Vice President – Wally Damon
President – Todd Solomon

Old Business-
Ocean Shore Shoppes Mixed Use Development Approval – The Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) approved the variance request to build a 4 story, 2 condo and commercial space structure at the corner of Ocean Shore Ave. and Cherry Tree Lane. Many adjacent residents attended the meeting in opposition. This was the only required approval needed and no conditional use permit will be necessary.

Lynnhaven Municipal Wharf – Updates from City’s permit request to the Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Environmental Quality to keep the wharf as a permanent structure for multiple uses. The DEQ has approved of permit.

Short Term Rentals (STR) – On Sept 1st, City Council passed a resolution regarding regulations for STRs. An update on this resolution will be presented.

Lesner Bridge Replacement – Paving of westbound lanes and bridge landings will be taking place and updates are being posted at http://www.sdcc.info as they are received. A separate turning lane will be added during restriping to the eastbound landing at Vista Circle intersection. LED lighting has been installed on bridge structure and supports and is in the testing phase.

New Business –
Bus Route 35: Shore Drive to Oceanfront – Operating Season is over and was considered a success by HRT and the City. Plans to budget and operate next year are in the works. SDCC will be creating a questionnaire to gather input and suggestions to pass on to HRT/City staff to help make next years service even better.

Shore Drive Overlay Development Review Requirements– The resent approval of the Ocean Shore Shoppes brings into question a possible loophole for building development review process. It appears review of mixed use (residential + commercial) depends on the number of units and zoning. Not all projects require a conditional use permit (CUP) or board/committee/council approval at which the public has the opportunity to comment. Should this be changed?

Community Concerns– Please share any issues or concerns your groups/organizations may have at this time.

***Next SDCC Meeting – Monday November 26, 2018***

 

#LESNERBRIDGE update on paving and single lane traffic

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From an email:

Folks:

As with every project where there are many players, schedules change – this one is NO EXCEPTION. Some of the paving work that was supposed to have been completed last night wasn’t; therefore, our paving schedule for tomorrow has changed a bit.

Here are the details:

Beginning tomorrow, 10/25/2018 at approximately 9:00 AM and ending at approximately 12:30 PM, the final course of pavement will be placed on Vista Circle between Shore Drive and Cape Henry Drive, as well as Cape Henry Drive from Vista Circle to the entrance to Bubba’s Restaurant. This work will require intermittent street closures of both Vista Circle and Cape Henry Drive, so please plan accordingly.

Paving crews will move to the west side of the bridge (East Stratford Road) immediately after paving is completed on Cape Henry Drive.

Paving work on East Stratford Road and Piedmont Circle will begin tomorrow, Thursday 10/25/2018 at approximately 1:00PM. Therefore, beginning at approximately 1:00 PM and ending some time near 10:00 PM on 10/25/2018 expect East Stratford Road to be CLOSED between Piedmont Circle and Shore Drive and Piedmont Circle to be CLOSED between East Stratford Road and the showers at Lynnhaven Boat Ramp while paving operations are underway. Paving crews will also attempt to pave the RIGHT TURN lane on eastbound Shore Drive at East Stratford Road (the one in front of J&A Racing) during this same time period.

Finally, on Friday 10/26/2018, expect single lane closures on both eastbound and westbound Shore Drive between Vista Circle and East Stratford Road between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM. On eastbound Shore Drive crews will be placing the permanent pavement markings on the asphalt pavement between East Stratford Road and Vista Circle. On westbound Shore Drive crews will be working on sidewalk and utility work along the north side of Shore Drive.

We will continue to provide updates on anticipated lane/street closures as we near the final stages of this work.

PLEASE Drive Carefully through this work zone as we complete this work.

Sincerely,
-Chris

Christopher J. Wojtowicz, PE
Engineering Construction Manager
City of Virginia Beach
Department of Public Works
Engineering Division
2405 Courthouse Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23456-9031
Office: (757) 385-5785
Fax: (757) 385-5668
Email: cwojtowi@vbgov.com

Update about jackhammering in the middle of Monday & Tuesday nights by LBR&BF

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From an email:

Folks:

Hopefully everyone has been enjoying the new eastbound Lesner Bridge since its opening on Labor Day weekend. First of all, I want to apologize to all of you who live in Ocean Park that endured the noise from road work on East Stratford Road in the early morning hours of Monday 10/22 and Tuesday 10/23. Several lines of communication within the project team were broken and resulted in not just one night of disturbance, but two. For that we sincerely apologize to everyone affected.

We scheduled this night time work on East Stratford Road to minimize the disruption of operations of the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp and American Brew. However, in order to minimize the night time noise created by this milling and paving work, we are going to complete the paving work on East Stratford Road and Piedmont Circle during the day on Thursday 10/25/2018. Therefore, beginning at approximately 9:00 AM and ending some time near 6:00 PM on 10/25/2018 expect East Stratford Road to be CLOSED between Piedmont Circle and Shore Drive and Piedmont Circle to be CLOSED between East Stratford Road and the showers at Lynnhaven Boat Ramp while paving operations are underway.

Piedmont Circle Closure at Lynnhaven Boat Ramps for October 25, 2018

Piedmont Circle Closure at East Stratford Road for October 25, 2018

East Stratford Road Closure for October 25, 2018

Paving work is also taking place TONIGHT, 10/23/2018. Beginning tonight about 8:00 PM and lasting until 5:00 AM, road crews will be preparing to place the final asphalt surface course on eastbound Shore Drive located between the bridge and Vista Circle. This paving work will also include the intersection of Shore Drive and Vista Circle, Vista Circle between Shore Drive and Cape Henry Drive, and Cape Henry Drive between Vista Circle and the entrance to Bubba’s Restaurant.

Another update will be sent out once we have a firm schedule for the upcoming paving work for westbound Shore Drive between Page Avenue and East Stratford Road.

Thank you all again for your patience as we push through the final stages of this multi-year project.

Sincerely,
-Chris

Christopher J. Wojtowicz, PE
Engineering Construction Manager
City of Virginia Beach
Department of Public Works
Engineering Division
2405 Courthouse Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23456-9031
Office: (757) 385-5785
Fax: (757) 385-5668
Email: cwojtowi@vbgov.com

“The Virginian-Pilot has found mounting evidence that real estate values across Hampton Roads are being driven down as a result of recurrent flooding and sea level rise.”

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View article at Pilotonline.com:

Values of seemingly safe houses several blocks from the water are hurting as well.

Several recent studies have shown that impacts from flooding – from water in the basement to inundated streets – already have hamstrung property prices and cost Hampton Roads homeowners hundreds of millions of dollars in lost or unrealized values.

And:

A group of university economists published a study this summer showing that severe storms – which scientists say have become stronger and more frequent in recent years due to climate change – can have a meaningful impact on property value and how long a home spends on the market in Hampton Roads.

Properties in high-risk areas declined in value after major storms and stayed on the market longer – and not just in the initial aftermath.

In related news, UN IPCC released report illustrating we have 12 years to stop global warming at + 1.5C.

The world’s leading climate scientists have warned there is only a dozen years for global warming to be kept to a maximum of 1.5C, beyond which even half a degree will significantly worsen the risks of drought, floods, extreme heat and poverty for hundreds of millions of people.

Start at The Guardian article to learn more.

It’ll be interesting to see if stakeholders in Virginia Beach find the will to mitigate climate change & sea level rise impacts so it can exist another 50 years.

Baylines October Newsletter from BAC

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View October 18 Baylines (5 page PDF)

A proposed ordinance governing short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods has been referred to the Planning Commission for eventual return to the City Council, B. Kay Wilson, deputy city attorney told the Bayfront Advisory Commission.

The latest iteration of the city’s efforts to govern when homes are rented for fewer than 30 days, the proposal would require property owners to seek a conditional use zoning permit from the City Council, with some exceptions.

One such exception would “grandfather” owners whose properties were operating as short-term rentals as of July 1 and were registered legally and had paid applicable taxes by that deadline. Homesharing, in which an owner rents all or part of the property for no more than 30 consecutive days continues to live there during such rentals, can take place anywhere in the city, Wilson said, as long as they are registered and pay taxes. . . .

Saturday Sept 29th 9:00am to Noon – E-cycling Event at the Virgina Aquarium (Electronics and Hazardous Wastes)

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Personal note: this is a very efficient set up and a great way to dispose of any hazardous material you may have in your house or garage.  You don’t even have to get out of your vehicle.  A loop is set up in the east parking lot and you just drive around it, the volunteers empty you vehicle and you drive home.

Gather up Old Electronics and Hazardous Waste and Dispose of Them Responsibly at the Fall E-cycling Event Sept. 29

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is partnering with Goodwill Industries, Virginia Beach Public Works and TFC Recycling to offer its semi-annual e-cycling event Saturday, Sept. 29 from 9 a.m. to noon.

The e-cycling event is free and open to the public. It will be held at the aquarium’s east parking lot. The following items will be accepted:

Personal electronic recyclable items include:
Personal computers and laptops
Telephones, cell phones and PDA’s
Printers
Circuit boards and components
Monitors and flat screens
Fax machines
Stereo equipment and game systems
Regular recycling materials such as newspapers, bottles and cans will also be accepted.
***Note that cathode ray tube (CRT) televisions cannot be accepted***

Household Hazardous Waste items include:
Up to five gallons of liquids or up to 75 pounds of dry materials
Aerosol spray cans
Automotive fluids
Batteries: alkaline (AA, AAA, C, D), boat, car, camera, cell phone, hearing aid, lead acid, lithium, rechargeable, truck
Herbicides
Household cleaners
Gasoline (up to 5 gallons)
Fertilizer
Pool chemicals
Light bulbs – small quantities of CFLs or fluorescent tubes
Oil and water based paint
Pesticides
Propane tanks (small – up to 20 lb. capacity)

 

“Hurricane Florence no longer viewed as life-threatening for Virginia Beach, city manager says”

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View article at Pilotonline.com:

Hansen said during Wednesday’s briefing that the current forecast shows conditions equivalent to “less than a nor’easter.” He said that wind conditions are not expected to reach hurricane level and “will be on the low end of tropical storm, at best,” giving him more optimism for vulnerable areas like Sandbridge and the rural areas.

“An informed citizen would probably have waited to the last movement of the storm before making that decision” to evacuate, he said.

Visit NOAA Hurricane Center for Florence.

“This graphic is created by the NWS/NCEP Weather Prediction Center (WPC) and shows rainfall potential for the United States when a tropical cyclone threatens land. The graphic is displayed as a Quantitative Precipitation Forecast (QPF), which shows rainfall totals for a specified time period, based on forecaster discretion.”

GOVERNOR ORDERS MANDATORY EVACUATION INCLUDING AREAS OF SHORE DRIVE

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Baylines September newsletter from BAC

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View September 2018 Baylines (5 page PDF)

As of June 9, 90 percent of the design work for the next phase of the Shore Drive improvement project has been completed, Joseph Bovee, chairman of the Bayfront Advisory Commission’s Design Committee told the commission.

Our Neighbors the Coyotes – Slideshow Presentation by First Landing State Park

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In case you missed Monday night’s presentation by Jennifer Huggins, Chief Ranger at First Landing State Park, here is a copy of her informative slideshow from that evening.

And as we learned from Jennifer, the coyotes are here to stay, so like all wildlife, please respect them, don’t feed them and just enjoy them from a distance.

And more importantly, watch out for errant golf balls and champagne corks (look for the details in Jennifer’s slides)…

Click here for the slideshow file  Our Neighbors the Coyotes

NEW INFO ABOUT #LESNERBRIDGE FOR TONIGHT

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From email from Wojo:

I want to post another Bridge Update for today to alert folks what to expect during this evening’s traffic switch.

The traffic switch that will take place tonight, August 30th on Lesner Bridge will be performed in several stages with a lot of activity taking place at the intersections of Shore Drive/Vista Circle/Page Avenue and Shore Drive/East Stratford Road. Here are some additional details to let you all know what to expect.

Beginning at 8:00 PM this evening single lane closures will be set up at both the Shore Drive/East Stratford Rd and Shore Drive/Vista Circle/Page Avenue intersections. At this time Shore Drive will be reduced to A SINGLE LANE IN EACH DIRECTION as crews work in the intersections and median areas to eradicate old pavement markings and place the new ones. Workers will also be in bucket trucks adjusting traffic signal heads and preparing for the removal of the old traffic signal pole located at Shore Drive and Page Avenue.

Stage 1 of 8/30/2018 the Lesner Bridge Traffic Switch

PLEASE DRIVE CAUTIOUSLY through these two intersections while this work is taking place. Since there will be a short time that both traffic signals will be down while we switch to the new signals. During this time Virginia Beach Police will be assisting in maintaining the flow of traffic on Shore Drive on both ends of the bridge.

The single lane of eastbound Shore Drive traffic will be moved onto the new eastbound bridge once the new pavement markings have been placed. The westbound single lane of traffic will be maintained on the westbound bridge through this next stage of the traffic switch. Again, workers will be eradicating old pavement markings and placing new ones in preparation for the new traffic pattern.

Stage 2 of 8/30/2018 the Lesner Bridge Traffic Switch

Once all of the new pavement markings are down and the new traffic signals adjusted, the eastbound LEFT LANE will be re-opened to traffic and allowed to cross the new eastbound bridge. The LEFT LANE of the westbound traffic will also be re-opened and SHIFTED along with the RIGHT LANE to the southernmost lanes on the westbound bridge. THESE LANE SHIFTS WILL BE COMPLETED BY 5:00 AM FRIDAY, AUGUST 31st. Both bridges will remain in this traffic condition for the next several months while the new 10-foot wide multi-use path is built across the westbound bridge.

Stage 3 of 8/30/2018 the Lesner Bridge Traffic Switch

Pedestrians/cyclists who wish to use the new 10-foot wide multiuse path on the eastbound bridge located next to the new scenic overlook will be allowed to cross the new eastbound Lesner Bridge after 5:00 PM today, August 30th 2018, once crews finish sweeping and clearing the pedestrian areas. Please note that after the traffic switch, pedestrians will not be allowed to use the westbound bridge until construction of the new sidewalk/path is completed.

Finally, we want to make sure that everybody understands that the paving of the bridge approaches is not yet complete and that there may be some minor items of work taking place after the traffic is switched (i.e. painting, handrail adjustments, joint sealing, light adjustments, etc). The asphalt surface mix still has to be placed on both bridge approaches and is why you will notice a small lip of concrete along the concrete gutter pans and a small wedge of asphalt as you cross onto the concrete bridge deck. The pavement markings on eastbound Shore Drive at Vista Circle are also temporary and does not reflect what the ultimate travel lanes will look like once the project is complete (the RIGHT THRU LANE and RIGHT TURN LANE ONLY LANE have been combined into a single THRU RIGHT LANE). The reason for this is that we need still perform some median work before building out this fourth lane.

[This] figure shows how these lanes will look on eastbound Shore Drive at Vista Circle once we complete the project:

Finally, this is a word of caution to users of East Stratford Road who are leaving the Chesapeake House or 3556 On The Bay Condominiums. For the past several years drivers have gotten used to the temporary traffic pattern and have been making a LEFT TURN from southbound East Stratford Road onto eastbound Shore Drive and crossing the WESTBOUND LESNER BRIDGE. After this traffic switch drivers making this same LEFT TURN have pay attention to the new pavement markings and make sure that they enter eastbound Shore Drive and cross the EASTBOUND LESNER BRIDGE. Habits are sometimes hard to change, even with the new signage and pavement markings, so we just want to put this word of caution out there so that nobody ends up the wrong way on the westbound bridge!

PLEASE USE SLOW DOWN AND USE CAUTION TONIGHT WHEN TRAVELLING THROUGH THE LESNER BRIDGE CORRIDOR!

Have a Safe and Happy Labor Day Weekend!

-Chris

Christopher J. Wojtowicz, PE
Engineering Construction Manager
City of Virginia Beach
Department of Public Works
Engineering Division
2405 Courthouse Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23456-9031
Office: (757) 385-5785
Fax: (757) 385-5668
Email: cwojtowi@vbgov.com